Brisé-waaier van gesneden ivoor met symmetrisch opgebouwd patroon en op de sluitbenen een huwelijksaltaar onder twee vogels bij een trofee c. 1770 - 1825

Editor: So, this is a brisé fan carved from ivory, dating back to somewhere between 1770 and 1825. It's covered in these incredibly intricate, symmetrical patterns, almost like lace made of ivory! It's amazing how delicate it looks. How would you interpret this object in its historical context? Curator: Well, looking at this fan, the material immediately stands out. Ivory, during that period, was a clear indicator of wealth and access, highlighting the global trade networks in place at the time, often fueled by colonialism. The Rococo style and its intricate detailing suggest an elite consumer. Does it make you think about the relationship between luxury items and power? Editor: Absolutely, and it makes me consider who owned and used something like this. A fan wasn't just functional, but also a symbol of status and a tool for social signaling, right? Curator: Precisely! Fans were heavily coded objects. Their use was a performance within the strict social rituals of the time. They could communicate a range of emotions and intentions in the elaborate dance of courtship and social interaction. And considering that this specific fan features a wedding altar scene... how does that complicate or enhance your interpretation of its function? Editor: That pushes it further, from a simple status symbol to a direct celebration—maybe even a proclamation—of marital union, class, and family. It feels like this delicate object held quite a bit of social weight. Curator: Exactly. These objects tell us stories about the societal structures, the values, and the power dynamics of the time, reminding us that art is rarely created in a vacuum. It reflects and reinforces social realities. Editor: I see that more clearly now. It’s amazing how much we can learn about society simply by studying an object like this fan! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It shows how historical and artistic interpretation go hand in hand.